SB    E75 


LD 


GIFT  OF 


(giod  (garners 

J\o  (gireen  (strain. 


» 


-^-a^\JLs>>^LL^jLJ<~^-J 


Garners 

No  Greco 


AVi; 


ROBERT  WHITAKER. 


Copyright,  1896,  by  Robert  Whitaker. 


God  Garners  NO  Green  Grain. 


0 


UR  God  makes  no  mistakes,  O  heart  opprest, 

And  eyes  all  blinded  by  the  mist  of  pain, 
Eternal  love  pursues  no  fruitless  quest, 

God  garners   no  green  grain. 

Death  seems  untimely  when  our  dear  ones  go, 

And  some  mischance  our  hearts  regret  in  vain  ; 
It  only  seemeth,  for  it   is  not  so, 

God  garners  no  green  grain. 


384459 


Even  the  babe  that  dieth  with  a  breath, 
By  arrow  of  outrageous  fortune  slain, 
Serveth  some  purpose  by  such  early  death, 
God  garners  no  green  grain. 

The  strong  who  leave  us  ere  their  work  is  done, 

As  our  weak  faith  is  wonted  to  complain, 
Despite  our  doubtings,  do  not  die  too  soon, 
God  garners  no  green  grain. 


Whether  the  reaper  cometh  soon  or  late, 
Nor  life  nor  death  can  ever  be  in  vain, 
His  will  transcends  the  seeming  whims  of  fate, 
God  garners  no  green  grain. 


£  Vision  of  Taitlt- 

ESIDE  the  shaded  couch,  where  weak  and  faint 

A  dear  one  suffering  lay, 
Bearing  her  agony  without  complaint, 

In  the  old  martyr  way, 
I  saw  two  forms,  like  waiting  angels,  stand 

On  either  hand. 

I  knew  that  one  was  Faith ;  the  calm,  clear  brow 

And  the  uplifted  eye 
Shone  with  assurance,  like  the  tender  glow 

On  morning's  kindling  sky, 
And  all  her  mien  triumphant  trust  expressed, 

And  perfect  rest. 


I  UNIVERSITY 


The  other  seemed  Faith's  very  twin  at  first, 

So  like  in  form  and  face, 
Save  that  her  calm  was  as  some  part  rehearsed, 

And  there  was  lack  of  grace  ; 
And  in  her  eyes  a  vague  impatience  stirred, 

And  thrilled  each  word. 

She  spoke  and  Faith  was  still  :      *  Thou  needest  not 

Lie  thus  on  bed  of  pain  ; 
Hath  God  his  old-time  healing  power  forgot  ? 

Can  He  not  cure  again  ? 
Believing  prayer  shall  save  the  sick  ;  believe  ! 

And  health  receive." 


The  sufferer  stirred,  and  feebly  made  reply, 

"  I  do  not  doubt  God's  care, 
But  though  for  strength  I  daily  make  my  cry, 

He  doth  not  grant  the  prayer." 
The  Presence  answered,  "They  shall  have  who  seek ; 

Thy  prayer  is  weak." 

Then  Faith  drew  near  and  gently  whispered,  "  Peace  ! 

They  do  not  love  God  most 
Who  are  most  urgent  for  their  quick  release 

From  pain's  severe  impost. 
Who  can  pray  better  than  the  suffering  Son, 

'  Thy  will  be  done  ?  ' 


"They  trust  God   most   who   most   accept  God's  will, 

Whatever  that  will  may  be  ; 
Bearing  with  patient  calm  life's  every  ill  ; 

Their  first  and  dearest  plea, 
That  God  will  grant,  through  pleasure  or  through  pain, 

In  them  to  reign. 

"God  often  heals,  and  often  healeth  not, 

As  we  have  greater  need ; 
To  be  submissive  to  His  blessed  thought, 

Oh,  this  is  faith  indeed  ! 
And  this  shall  be  the  sign  thy  prayer  is  heard, 

GOD'S  WILL  PREFERRED." 


The  vision  faded,  but  the  voice  remained, 
And  still,  "God's  will  preferred," 

Pointed  the  path  by  which  all  good  is  gained, 
And  gave  the  conquering  word  : 

Or  sick,  or  well,  or  rich,  or  poor,  how  small  ! 
God's  will  is  all.. 


PRESS    OF 
CROCKER    COMPANY 


*     Syracuse,  N.Y. 
I       PAT.JAH.21.1W8 


YB   14454 


384459 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


